Hopping Off The Bike

Last month I had the privilege of participating in a Christmas party for a local children's home. A group of us worked together to purchase gifts for the kids. We presented the gifts to them while hosting a party.


One of the kids we sponsored was 14 year-old *Nathan. I don't know his circumstances. All I know is that they brought him to a children's home. That's all I needed to know.


Our group had purchased a bike for Nathan as well as clothes, some games, and other teen guy things. Each were carefully wrapped with pretty ribbons and bows. Even with all our effort, that huge plastic bag could not disguise the bike.


Nathan's name was called and he was presented the bike. He tore off the plastic bag and rolled the bike towards our table. We thought he was headed to the other bag of gifts. Instead, he walked right out the door.


"Where's he going?"


We followed, braving the cold December air. There in the parking lot was Nathan riding his bike in circles, a huge smile on his face.

We called him back in and said,"That's not all. There's more."


Nathan was just happy to get the bike.


It was all he had wanted.


After a few laps around, he came inside, where he found the rest of the gifts. To my surprise, he was equally amazed at each of them.


We're a lot like Nathan. We accept salvation from God with so much joy and gratitude. In our excitement, we hop on the bike, not realizing there is so much more in store for us.


God wants to say, "Where's she going? Wait! There's more!"


He wants us to accept Him as Savior, but He also wants us to grow, accepting His gifts of the faith.




What gifts are you missing today in your life? Peace? Joy? Contentment? A stronger faith or prayer life?


Keep riding your bike with that smile on your face, but be sure to hop off and accept the rest of God's gifts. You may be surprised at the amazing things He has in store for you.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created." James 1:17-18

*Name changed.



Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Christmas in Februrary

My day was all planned.

I got up as usual, drove my daughter to school, and rushed back home to shower and get ready, just in time to head back to school for a special event for my daughter's class.

If I had gone to bed earlier the night before, I would have been up early to shower and get ready before the drive to school. Instead, I was wearing old, stretchy pants, half-brushed hair, and a full-up grumpy disposition.

Without any coffee.

After the special class event, I was off to the craft store to purchase a few things for an unfinished project, then to the grocery store for milk, cat food, staple items and lots of Diet Coke to keep me going.


I put the milk in the refrigerator just in time to sit down for a bite of lunch, look over my Bible study, and then regroup and recharge myself to drive to the Bible study discussion.


Minutes after our study time was over, I drove (again) to school to pick up my daughter, head home and literally collapse.


But before I kicked off my shoes and crashed on the couch, I took a walk to the mailbox. In a stack of letters, I found a "Special Message From Our Sponsored Child."


I wonder if she will ever know how much I look forward to her letters.


The letter was written at Christmas. Due to the time delay in translation and mailing, I received it in February.


It was right on time.


The letter was filled with questions. A small drawing decorated the bottom. A photo of a children's Christmas party filled the top.


In a translated message, a little Haitian girl shared her heart. She said she will not stop praying for me and my family (for me and my family?) She thanked us for our letters. She thanked us for the Christmas gift.


Through the sponsorship ministry, we were given the opportunity to give a small, extra donation towards a Christmas gift for our sponsored child. We were thrilled. Every child deserves something special at Christmas.


I can remember receiving Christmas or birthday money as a child. Mama said not to "let it burn a hole in my pocket." She and Daddy encouraged me to save it or, at the very least, think carefully about how I spent it. Like most kids, I spent it on candy or a toy that was quickly forgotten.


As I read the letter, I learned just what our little sponsored child bought with her money.


She bought a goat.


Wrap your mind around that, if you can.


Tears began to stream down my face as I continued to read. I heard the joy in this little girl's voice. I know that the ministry gave this little girl a personal gift as well, but the image of a child buying a goat for her family with her Christmas money. No. Words. Describe.


I read the letter over and over as the tears fell. I looked closely at the faces of the children in the photo. All of their eyes were bright, full of hope, of wonder. I could almost hear the laughter.


Valentine's Day was just over a week away. Store shelves were stocked with heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolate, plush animals of pinks and reds, endearing gifts, all carefully designed expressions of love.


On a day in February, I received a Christmas letter. Christmas- the ultimate expression of Love.


On an ordinary, crazy day I was humbled by a little girl in a place I cannot imagine.


I am grieved for her struggles. I am overwhelmed with sadness and with joy. I am puzzled by the remarkable workings of God. I am grateful to trust and know a God Who loves this little girl with perfect love.


I am struck with the mystery that the God Who loves these precious ones also loves me. He loves this sinful, prideful, incomplete person who falls short each and every day.


He loves us. He loves us enough to send a Saviour in a manager, even when we forget months later as stored shelves are emptied of the reminders.

I don't know what you are wishing for this Christmas. Healing in a marriage? A job? Help with the mortgage payment? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? The empty nest of a child gone to college?

Let this be your Christmas letter. Let it be right on time.


Dear one, He loves you.


He loves us enough to give us the desires of our hearts. Letters with smiling faces, drawings from tiny hands, candy-filled boxes, pink bears and red roses.


And goats. Yes, even goats.


"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."
1 John 4: 9-10




Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

What God Has Done

Just over a year ago, my family moved clear across the country to a small town out west, very different from any place I'd ever lived.

Let's just say this Southern girl wasn't exactly thrilled.

The following is an excerpt of a post I wrote on my personal blog not long after that move.

What does God do when your life is going along smoothly, happily, without a real care in the world, (compared to a mother whose child is hungry and she has nothing to feed her or a father who is struck down with cancer and can no longer work?)

What does God do when you think you've been through it all, an ongoing battle with depression, the stuff of life that happens, but what sometimes feels like it happens all at once?

What does God do when your child loves her school, her friends, is doing well academically, and you feel so blessed in the opportunity that (you think) you know is rare?

What does God do when you fall in love with your church, your home, your neighbors and you are so grateful (but never grateful enough,) savoring in the moment in life when everything is going along smoothly, happily, without a real care in the world?

I'll tell you.

God moves you.

He challenges you.

He plucks your family from their cozy nest and plops them in what seems to be the middle of nowhere.

He lets tiny battles of sadness and anxiety rise up in what was once a Cease Fire Agreement.

He leads you to a new school that makes you a little unsure, but thankful nonetheless.

He allows a moving company to make such a mess, such an inept attempt at packing, storing and moving household goods that even the cynical you is still in disbelief.

What does God do?

He knows all, sees all, is in control over all and all the while He never takes His eyes off of you and your little family still shaking off the goose down you left behind in your cozy nest.

Without explanation. Without excuse. But not without purpose.

What do you do?

You wait. You pray. You cry.

You laugh at the absurdity,the disbelief, and the frustrations.

You settle in the new cozy nest that you've found once again called faith.

You lean not unto your own understanding but rely on His Will, His Love, His Sovereignty.

In your own humanness and shortcomings, you try to fluff this faith nest for your little family, nuzzle them and find shelter from the cold.

You give thanks that your living God, the one true God has created this nest called faith.

And you wait to see what He will do next.

Over a year later, what has God done?

I'll tell you.

God has stretched me more than I thought I could ever be stretched. I've been tested in areas of my faith, places I never knew needed testing. (But He did.)

Sometimes I failed those tests, but I've learned to rest in His Grace and Forgiveness and that there are things and Someone greater than myself. His Love and His Son.

My family has grown closer.

Changes and challenges were thrown our way. Because of them, I now home school our daughter. It has been a blessing that I may have never experienced without this move.

What else has God done?

He has watched and listened to my kicking and screaming, put my tears in a bottle and wiped them away.

He understands that I miss my friends and my family, my magnolia trees and fresh peaches. He understands that I long to dip my toes in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

My Savior, who was both man and God, has experienced being torn from His own home and placed in a dry place. I take great comfort in that.

As He understands my pain and sadness, He also has a purpose for me. I accept that (even on mornings when I wish I could still watch the blue herons swoop down over our old pond.)

I do not know what else God will do. I have to take things day by day. I am thankful for new friends I have made and for being reunited with old ones. I am grateful for a new bond I have with my husband and for the daily science and grammar lessons with my daughter.

I'm anxiously waiting (and sometimes still kicking and screaming a little) for what God will do.

I still miss boiled peanuts and sweet tea, but I know His Plan is always greater than my own.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD."For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55: 8-9

Has God moved you to a dry place (literally or figuratively?) What has He done in your life?

Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

A Place For Everything

"It's time to clean your room," I said.

"But I don't know where to put everything," my daughter answered.

"We'll work on it together," I replied, "and we'll have to organize it. It is always easier to clean up when there is a place for everything."

We worked that day for several hours. My daughter worked on her own for a while sorting Barbie dolls, sea shells, pony tail holders and stickers. I pitched in, bringing in plastic containers and baskets.

She sorted. She threw some things away. It looked like we were making some progress. Toys and clothes were finding their places. Then I found a folder with a very special label of its own.

My daughter had taken an old school folder and filed it with miscellaneous items. There were papers and stickers and scraps of art. Across the front of the folder she had written in crayon, "My Stuff That Didn't Have Anywhere To Go!"

After all of her effort and hard work of sorting and piling and organizing, there were still things that did not have a place. They weren't garbage. They had meaning. They just didn't have anywhere to go.

Sometimes I have things like that in my own life. I've sorted and organized. I've worked it all out. I've even had the courage to throw away some things. Then there's one pile left, my "stuff," with no place to go.

That's when I have to hand it all over to Jesus.

Let me tell you, Jesus has plenty of room for all of our stuff. He tells us that He will carry the load. He's ready and willing to pick up the stack of whatever it is you're dealing with, and take away that burden.

"Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you;

He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. " Psalms 55: 22

What burdens are you dealing with today?

What "stuff" has no place to go?

Give it Him.

Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Victory for Mankind

The United States recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its first landing on the moon. Years of planning went into that first space walk. There were some who never thought it would happen. Still, others continued to work and wait, believing that one day man would walk on the moon.

That day finally came. Americans watched and listened as Neil Armstrong took the first step. His words, now famous.

"That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind."

It was a remarkable footprint in US History.

There was another man whose life would greatly affect mankind.

Jesus Christ, God in flesh.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God." John 1: 1-2

Since before the beginning of time, God had a perfect plan. He created mankind knowing what Adam and Eve would do, knowing the consequences of disobedience. Yet, He had a plan in place to send a Saviour to redeem us all.

Years passed as the plan unfolded. Prophets foretold the Good News of the Messiah. Many were skeptical. Others believed.

God prepared the way for Christ. Christ was born through a miraculous birth. He lived a sinless life, performed miracles unlike any other, all part of God's plan.

Before his arrest and crucifixion, Christ prayed to the Father, knowing that the plan would soon be fulfilled.

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." John 17: 3-4

The moment came when death would be defeated. One glorious morning, three days after his brutal punishment and death for our sakes, Jesus Christ was raised again. He now reigns at the right hand of God.

Praise be to God! That's one giant victory for mankind!

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NLT)

1. If you have never accepted Christ as Saviour, I encourage you to pray today.

2. If you are already a Christian, are there other areas in your life where you are skeptical about what God can do?

3. Consider prayerfully what Christ did for all mankind and what it means to you.



Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Contentment in Christ

"Jackpot!" That's what our family says when we find a special treasure on the beach. Sometimes we discover a sea shell, a sand dollar, or even a barracuda jaw!

We recently spent some time along Florida's Panhandle. The beaches there are famous for their emerald green waters and sugar white beaches, but not for their shells. So, when we find a special shell, it is truly a gem.


I was wading in the water when I found two of them. One was a conch, the other a smooth, brown shell I have yet to identify. I showed them to my daughter.


"Jackpot!" she yelled, and ran to our beach bag on the dry sand, her eyes wide with excitement. For the remainder of the day, we played in the sand and surf, commenting on our "jackpot." After a long day of enjoying God's Creation, we thanked Him for the unique sea shells He gave us.

Days passed.

We walked on the beach in the mornings, in the afternoons. As we continued to look for shells, we began to wonder if we could find another shell, a bigger shell, something more amazing.

More.

What happened to the joy we felt when we first discovered our unique gifts? What happened to the bedtime prayers we had offered? Were we not truly grateful?

Our problem wasn't lack of gratitude; it was lack of contentment.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6: 6

God blesses us with something, something big, something small. He may give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalms 37: 4) He does so because He loves us.

We thank Him. We mean it. We really do. But we often become discontent. We want something newer, something bigger, something better.

More.

It is difficult to remain content unless we remain in Him.

"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you,

and that your joy might be full." John 15: 11

The sea shells we discovered on the Florida beach that day are reminders for me. They remind me of the love that God has for me, that He gives us the desires of our hearts, sometimes when we least expect it.

Most of all, these two shells, unique pieces of God's Creation, remind me to be content in all things.

Only in Christ, am I content with all of my "sea shells." The special ones, the big ones, the colorful and plain ones, and even for the broken ones.



1. Have you struggled with contentment?

2. What areas in your life have been a "broken sea shell?"

3. Ask God to fill you with His Joy today! He loves you!



Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Filling Your Tank

It was a hot Saturday afternoon. I'd put it off long enough. It was time to just get it done. Time to mow the grass.

I really don't mind mowing the grass. It is usually my husband's chore but, every now and then I get out there with the mower and cut the lawn. The one part I dread is filling the gas tank.

I'm messy. Gasoline is smelly. So, I often take a peek inside the gas tank, eyeball the gas level, replace the cap and hope for the best. If the tank is full, there is more than enough to mow the entire lawn. If the tank is half full, there is still enough. Somewhere below the halfway mark is the critical level for running out of gas.

The funny thing is that I never do this with my car. For some reason, the gas pumps at the convenience store are just that- convenient. I am able to fill the tank of my car much easier with those high-tech pumps than with that messy, flimsy red gas tank in the garage.

On this particular day, the gasoline in the mower was at the critical level. I nearly finished with the front lawn when the mower began to sputter. It coughed and hacked and I kept mowing, pushing the mower faster to try and finish. Finally it went kaput. Out of gas.

If I had started my task with a full tank, I never would have run out of gas. I could have kept mowing, and finished with a nicely maintained lawn.

Our prayer life works the same way.

Sure, we make a point to pray before a Sunday School lesson or a meeting. We pray for a sick friend or when we are headed out of town on a trip. But prayer life is a lot like gas tanks. You can't pick and choose when to "fill your tank."

Jesus began His day with prayer.

"And in the morning, rising up a great while before the day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark 1: 35

Notice that Jesus didn't say a quick prayer of "Lord, help me today with all I have to do. Amen," on His way out the door. His effort to take time in prayer was purposeful.

Jesus made a point to get away and have time alone with God. This is difficult for us today, especially for busy moms. It takes an effort to be alone at all. Look at your day and find some time to be alone with God.

Prayer is so important to our everyday lives. Prayer is not meant to be a quick fix to top off our tanks. It is meant to fill our spiritual life, to give us the energy we need, and most importantly, to bring us closer to God.

Check your tank. Are you at that critical level? Don't let yourself sputter and hack and go kaput. Take time each day with the Father; begin your day with a full tank. Your lawn may not reap the benefits of a full prayer life, but your relationship with God will.

"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessaolonians 5: 17

In Him,
Melanie

Reflections:
1. How has your life been affected by prayer?

2. Do have a specific time set aside each day to pray?



Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

The Amazing Race

I'm usually not a Reality TV kind of girl. The hype and drama are just too much for me and the reality is less than real. There is one exception, a show which features an amazing race.

In case you haven't seen the show, the contestants work in teams and go through a series of challenges while traveling all over the world. The goal of each leg of the race is to be the first team to arrive at the pit stop. The ultimate goal is to be the first team at the final destination. The prize? A million dollars!

The race features challenges called road blocks. Most of the tasks involve physical and mental endurance. Many of them involve less than appetizing food.

I don't know about you, but I've faced some challenges in my life. Some have felt like road blocks. I've never had to eat an ostrich egg or a plate of squid, but life has thrown challenges at me which were difficult to endure. Perseverance and endurance are not my strengths. (I'll be honest here. P.E. brought down my GPA.)

As a believer in Christ, I know the One who gives me strength.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 3: 14

The spiritual walk is a race, but not one where there is just one winner. At the end of this race, every person who has accepted Jesus will win the ultimate prize- eternal life with Him.

Our endurance does not come from will power or sports drinks. It comes from Christ alone. As the author and finisher of my faith, He picks me up off the pavement when I want to give up.

"...And let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 1-2

There is a challenger out there- Satan. He creeps around like a contestant with the worst sportsmanship, trying to trip us up. His prize is our discouragement, our pain, our unbelief. Satan loves it when we want to quit but he can never win.

Keep racing toward the finish line, believer. Keep your eyes on the cross. Keep your focus on the miracle of His resurrection.

Keep the faith in this race and don't quit! Christ has already won the victory!

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to let me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

Reflection:

1. Consider your time in God's Word as your pit stop. Refuel and Recharge.

2. Do you feel like you're running this marathon alone? Partner with another believer. Encourage one another.


Running the race with you,

Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Such A Time As This

As the leader of our church's women's ministry, I was often involved with service projects. Many of our projects revolved around a holiday- food baskets for Thanksgiving, gifts for Christmas, cookies for Valentine's Day.

Mother's Day was approaching. As a new mother myself, I looked forward to it. I'd always celebrated the day with my own mother. This year I could celebrate with my daughter. I knew my husband would surprise me with something.

Just as moms shop for Father's Day, dad's shop for Mother's Day. This Mother's Day, it dawned on me that there was a group of mothers who would not receive a gift, mothers in the abused women's shelter.

Many of them were literally in hiding. Who would reach out to them in love?

Our women's group organized a new project. We filled gift bags with cosmetics, sweet-smelling lotions and words of encouragement.

Days before Mother's Day, I stopped by the shelter to deliver the gifts, making sure that we had enough for every mom. I left my phone number and asked the shelter volunteer to call me if anyone new arrived. We didn't want anyone to be left out.

"We know of one young mother who is arriving later today," she shared, "she is coming here straight from the hospital."

My heart broke. I could not imagine bringing my child into this world with nowhere to go. My safe life could not comprehend how terrible the fear and pain must be for a new mother to check out of a hospital and bring her child "home" to a strange place. No family, no welcome home banner, no ribbon on the door.

I asked the volunteer if it was a boy or a girl.

"She had a girl," she said.

With that information, I quickly left and went shopping. This mother deserved more than a gift bag. She deserved a baby gift. She deserved so much more, but a warm receiving blanket and onesies is what I found.

I wrapped the gifts in the nicest paper I could find and attached a note. I returned to the shelter and asked the volunteer to give the baby gift to the young mother when she arrived.

Later that day, my phone rang. It was the shelter volunteer. My first thought was that a new mom had checked into the shelter and she needed another Mother's Day gift bag. I was wrong.

She told me that the young mother had arrived and had opened her gift. She wanted to know if it was alright to talk to me.

"Of course," I said, wondering what words of encouragement I would give to this frightened girl.

A soft voice was on the other end of the line.

"Hello, I just want to thank you for the gift," she said, "and thank you so much for the card."

Choking back tears, I shared with her how much Jesus loves her, how brave she was to protect her daughter, how God knew her circumstances and He was watching over her. I told her with sincerity that I was going to pray for her.

She answered softly, "I'll be praying for you, too."

We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone.

I cried in my kitchen that day. I cried for this young mother and her child. I cried in gratitude for the safe home I lived in , the loving husband who supported me, and the God who watches over me.

I also realized that God had brought me to that moment. He put an idea in my head for a Mother's Day project. All the while I thought the purpose was to reach out to those mothers.

Although, I am certain that all of the women in the shelter needed to hear about God's love, I am even more convinced that there was a young mother with a newborn who needed Him so much more.

When God taps on your shoulder or speaks to your heart, rest assured He has a purpose. You may not know what it is. You may think you know what it is. God will work that out. All we have to do is be faithful and obedient to His calling.

Esther is a wonderful example. She became queen of Persia. She was young, an orphan, and a Jew, not the perfect combination for a queen. Unsure of her place or her purpose, she was obedient to God.

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Esther 4:14

Esther's role as queen reached far beyond the palace. I am sure she had no idea what her real purpose was. In the end, her place in the kingdom and her obedience to God ultimately saved the lives of the Jewish people, a scenario that probably never crossed her mind when the crown was placed on her head.

Wherever you are today, in ministry, in your home, in a strange city, or in a palace, know that God has a purpose. It may be that you are supposed to fill gift bags for mothers, buy a baby gift for a new mom, or even defend the faith.

Your obedience to God may make you shout for joy or cry in your kitchen. Either way, the results will be nothing short of miraculous.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21

Ephesians 3:20-21

Reflections:

1. Has there been a time in your life when you followed God's call, not knowing the "why" or "how?" Share what God did in your life.

2. Are you being asked to do something for God and you are not sure how it will work out?

Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Because He Said So

I was in traffic, the radio on, slowing down at the stoplight, when I saw something on the car in front of me. It was bumper sticker. I could just make out the words which read,

"God said it. That settles it. Whether you believe it or not."

This particular bumper sticker makes most of us think about God's view of sin and the true path to forgiveness. For believers, the message is clear. If He said so, that's all there is to it.

But is that really what we believe?

God said many things in His Word. He promises the consequences of sin. He promises the forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus Christ. He clearly expresses His Love for us in many ways. There is one promise He gave us that we often have trouble believing.

He promises us peace.

We often think that peace is the absence of trials. Peace is a day full of happiness. Peace can't be cancer or chemotherapy. Peace can't mean divorce. Peace isn't unemployment or foreclosure. Is it?

The time was near for Jesus to be crucified on the cross. He knew the hour was coming. In the last days before His death and resurrection, Jesus gave his disciples encouragement. He knew the time would come for Him to leave and The Comforter (The Holy Spirit) to come.

"Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe? But the time is coming- in fact, it is already here- when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16: 31-33

Notice what Jesus did not say. He did not say that he would give them peace and they would have no sorrow. He tells them the truth. Sorrow will come. The disciples had no earthly idea what was in store for them, the fear, the pain, the persecution they would endure. Jesus knew. Yet, He still promised them peace.

He promises us the same peace, dear friends! Peace can be experienced in chemotherapy or in the midst of a custody battle. You can know real peace while you struggle to pay the bills because you can know Jesus. Jesus is our peace!

He walks us through our suffering, holds us when we're weak, gently reminding us of his amazing love. We can have joy in tears and in laughter because Jesus, our solid rock, our salvation, is our only source of real peace.

Jesus offers us peace that the world could never give. It is true because He told us so. Now, we just have to believe it!

Reflections:

What area of your life do you struggle with true peace?

Ask God to give you peace.

If you do not know Jesus as your saviour, ask Him now. He wants to give you peace.



Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Introductions

I was sipping citrus-flavored mineral water when she asked me.

It was a 'Let's get together and chat, have some tasty appetizers, listen to a presentation about home-based business, and then browse through a catalog of gorgeous items while considering our budgets' kind of party.

I do love tasty appetizers.

So she asked me. She wasn't the first. Someone else at the party had asked the same thing.

"What do you do?"

As I swallowed my sip of citrus-flavored mineral water, I paused for a moment, considering her possible response, and I answered, "I am a Stay At Home Mom."

"Oh."

Several years ago, I would not have left it at that. I would have recited my resume of accomplishments, some fairly remarkable, but most not. I would have explained the whys and the hows and the maybe one days.

But not anymore.

Oh, I could tell her what I do. I do laundry. I do dishes. I do the floors. I do the grocery shopping. I even do windows, on occasion.

I get up in the morning, still sleepy from the night before, roll out of bed and shuffle to the coffee maker. I warm the frozen pancakes and trod up the stairs to wake my sleepy daughter for school.

I trod back down the stairs, trying not to trip over the cat who thinks she is supposed to be the first one fed. Then I check on the microwaved pancakes, pour on the syrup (I don't skimp) and set the plate at the kitchen counter, calling upstairs for my sleepy daughter to come down to eat or we will be late this morning.

Meanwhile, my husband is getting ready for work. I try to make sure he has clean clothes, and tell him a quick "Good Morning" before he rushes out the door.

Once I coax the sleepy daughter to eat, get dressed and brush her teeth, I head out the door in my sweats, no make-up, except for some under-eye concealer, and drive my daughter to school before I start my day of doing laundry, doing dishes, and doing the grocery shopping.

But the woman at this party eating spinach-artichoke dip doesn't really want to know all of that. She doesn't really want to know what I do. What she really wants to know is who I am.

For many women, who they are is so tightly woven into what they do, they lose the unique pattern of their identity. The woman's nature is to be a doer, a fixer, a nurturer. It is so easy for women to become that which they do each and every day.

What about me?

I am a wife. I am a mother. A daughter. A friend. I am a church and school volunteer. I am all of those things, but lately, I am learning that there is only one job, one identity that is truly important.

I am His.

"For we are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Galations 3: 26

When I am doing the laundry and the dishes, and even the windows, my prayer is that I will reflect what Christ would have me be through Him.

I fail miserably, mostly when I try to do everything in my own strength. It is when I give it all to God, that His Love shines through, not mine. Only when I humble myself and remember what I am not, can I share with other people what an awesome God He is.

"I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galations 2: 20

My prayer, my hope, is that when people meet me, they won't wonder what I do, or who I am. They won't even want to know anything about me, but somehow through my faith and failures in this imperfect life I live, they will want to know The God who helps me through it all.

They will only see Him for Who He is. They will see His goodness. His mercy. His love.

And they will turn to Him and say, "Nice to meet you."

Reflections:

Something to consider today as you do the laundry and pay the bills:

Do you feel lost in what you do?
A job?
Your family?
Ask God to give you peace and reassurance of who you are in Christ.



Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

How Is Your Firewall Protection?

Computer hackers are vigilant in their efforts to create destructive devices. It seems like as soon as an old virus is removed from the Internet, a new one is out there.

Security software is great protection, but a computer bug occasionally breaks through. I usually don't notice it until the damage has already been done. More often than not, the reason a bug gets in is because we haven't updated our security software.

God warns us that Satan continually seeks to harm us. His intentions are to infiltrate, completely camouflaged and undetected, and destroy us.

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Ephesians 5: 8

God doesn't just leave us with a warning. He gives us instructions and tools to detect, shield, and defeat Satan's tactics. He supplies his warriors with everything they need. Our problem is that we don’t “download,” if you will, what He offers us.

" Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. " Ephesians 6: 12

We leave ourselves vulnerable to Satan's devices by omitting part of God's Armor. God plainly tells us to put on the full armor of God.

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6: 13-17

Any good computer programmer will tell you not to leave your computer unprotected. In order to keep your computer safe from hackers, you have to use all security software available and keep it updated.

The same is true for believers. We must put on the full armor and stay in God's Word and in prayer daily.

Unlike computer software, God's protection is never outdated or obsolete. His Promises and His Word endure forever.

Something to consider:

What piece of armor do you overlook?

Are you having a difficult time staying in prayer and devotion daily?



Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Celebrating a Birthday in the Midst of Christmas

I went home from school with a friend that Friday. It was always a treat to go to a friend's house for a slumber party. This was special. She was my best friend and this was my birthday.

We went home that afternoon, dumped our books in my friend's room, and grabbed a snack from the kitchen. We probably played with her dog and secretly slipped him a Little Debbie cake. My friend's mom told us to get ready; we were going to Burger King.

That's when I figured it out.

Because I have a December birthday, my parents always made a special effort to set it apart from Christmas. December birthdays often get lumped in with Christmas parties, family gatherings and other events. No matter how big or small the celebration or the gift, my birthday was just that- my day. I never felt overlooked in the midst of the Christmas season.

I can't remember exactly how old I turned that Friday, but it must have been an extra special year. A Burger King party. Wow. Of course, this was before kids had parties each year, before parties had jumpy castles and expensive games.

You know, it's funny. I honestly don't remember much about the actual party. What I remember is that moment of realization at my friend's house, the moment I figured out the surprise. I remember how it felt to know my parents had planned something extra for my birthday.

My birthday was special, set apart.

It is the birth of Christ which brings us Christmas. We don't have parties at Burger King or rent jumpy castles, but sometimes activities- even good ones- blend in with the cause for celebration. We find ourselves in the middle of the mall, serving meals at a soup kitchen, dropping coins in the red kettle, singing hymns at church, and we lose sight of The One for whom we sing.

Scripture describes a very special birth announcement. A host of angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds tending their flocks in the dark night. After the glorious announcement, the shepherds made an important decision.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." Luke 2: 15-17

After the shepherds heard the wonderful news, they stopped what they were doing- tending their flocks- to celebrate and to worship. What they were doing was important, but not as important as taking time to worship The Lord.

There are so many things we can get caught up in this time of year. Many of them are truly good things. We need to stop to worship, to take a moment each day, even if it is in the middle of the mall, and honor Jesus.

Celebrate His birthday in the midst of Christmas. Sing Happy Birthday to the Christ child in your hymns, your prayers and your devotions.

I can't think of a better December birthday to celebrate this Christmas or anyone other than Jesus who is more deserving of our honor and praise. Can you?

Something to consider:

What can you do to take time to set apart the birth from busy tasks?



Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Packing Lunches

Most mornings I drag myself out of bed, slow and grumpy, after hitting the snooze button at least two times.

I shuffle to the coffee pot, grab a Diet Coke from the frig., and swig it down for my temporary caffeine hit until my Starbucks House Blend is ready. In the meantime, I wake up our daughter, make her breakfast and stare at her lunch box.

After years of packing lunches, I've run out of ideas. We've gone through the PB and J phase, the Spaghetti O's season, and the very short-lived carrot sticks era.

Packing a lunch has become a mundane task, seeming so unimportant, especially when the lunch box returns home with half of the lunch still intact. Making a sandwich, heating soup, or slicing apples is part of my routine.

Moms go through routines like this every day. Changing diapers, wiping noses, buying groceries after clipping coupons, balancing a checkbook, sitting at a computer at work.

The little things we do each day seem so insignificant. Are they?

It was an ordinary day. Jesus had been speaking for hours to a large crowd. The people grew hungry and tired. The disciples were faced with the task of feeding them, wondering how they would find or pay for a meal for so many.

Then something remarkable happened. Andrew found a young boy who offered his lunch. Jesus took the lunch of fish and bread and blessed it. This little boy's lunch fed thousands of people and his disciples gathered the leftovers. (Reference John 6)

I think about that little boy's mom. She got up that morning and packed his lunch, just like any other morning. She had no idea what God would do with her efforts. She may not have been making a PB and J or packing Fruit Roll-Ups, but she was much like you and me, doing what God had called her to do.

Jesus took what she did that day and blessed it. The results were nothing less than miraculous.

God can use all things. Everyday things. Big things. Small things.

That lunch you pack may never feed thousands, but what you do today- no matter how small- has a big significance in God's Kingdom.

And God can and will take what you do and bless it.

Be encouraged in doing good for Him.

"But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3: 13

Something to ponder:

How have you seen God use the small things in your life?

Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

He Keeps Me Singing

When the grass is long and the weeds are overtaking the sidewalk, my husband slips on his iPod, and heads for the garage. The music in his ears makes the workload easier and the time go by a little faster. Before long, the lawn looks great again and the weeds are history.

Good music soothes the soul. A great song can put some pep in your step or heal a break in your heart.

But, sometimes we don’t feel like singing.

During a news broadcast, I read a viewer’s comment in the running ticker at the bottom of the screen. The comment was in reference to the recent economic crisis and the viewer’s login name was “LostHope.”

Every morning, the news wakes us with more reasons to give up. The future is uncertain. The stock market will rise and fall. Gas prices will go up and down. But we can put our trust in the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Jesus is our rock, our foundation. When the world seems to be sinking, we can stand firm on the Solid Rock. As the familiar hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

When we don’t feel like singing he will give us a new song.

“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.”
Psalm 40:2-3

God is our song. When we are wondering how we will pay the mortgage or if our retirement fund will survive, worrying over bills or a wind-torn home destroyed by a hurricane, God gives us a new song. His Song. A song of Hope in Jesus.

There is another old hymn, one that gets my toe tapping each and every time. It reminds me of God’s love and provision.

“Feasting on the riches of His grace,
Resting ‘neath His sheltering wing,
Always looking on His smiling face,
That is why I shout and sing.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
Sweetest name I know,
Fills my every longing,
Keeps me singing as I go”.

- He Keeps Me Singing, Luther B.Bridgers


Jesus is my rock, my strong foundation, my constant hope in uncertain times.

He's music to my ears.

Something to ponder:

How have you seen God's provision for your family during difficult times?

Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Through The Fire

I was in a ladies’ Bible study one evening when the leader posed a question,” Who is your favorite person in the Bible and why?”

We took a few moments to write down our person and shared with the group. (Jesus not included; that one’s obvious.)

“Daniel,” I shared when it came my turn, “because Daniel purposed in his heart to do what was right in the sight of God.”

Daniel is still my favorite person in the Bible, besides Jesus. In the last few months of my life, three of Daniel’s friends have gotten my attention.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were Daniel’s friends. They, like Daniel, had chosen to worship Jehovah, the one true God.

When told to bow down to another god, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused. This act of rebellion to the king’s orders was punishable by death. Still, the three stood in their unwavering faith to God.

They were sent to the furnace to perish. Before they were taken away, they shared their testimony with King Nebuchadnezzar.

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3: 16-18 NLT

These young men believed God. Notice that they knew God was able to save them, but were also prepared if He did not. Facing the most grim and torturous possibility, they were willing to accept God's Will.

We often ask God to remove us from “the fiery furnace” or trial in our life. Our furnace may be financial struggles, relationship issues, or sometimes a fatal disease. Many times God does remove us from the situation by providing for us financially, mending a broken friendship immediately, or healing cancer.

Most of us have the faith that God is able to rescue us, but are we prepared when He chooses not to? Are we prepared when God (sometimes temporarily) allows us to enter into a trial, a "furnace" in our lives?

We know that in the end, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were protected and emerged from the fire unscathed, but there is so much more to the story.

“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted, “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire. They aren’t even hurt by the flames! And the fourth looks like a divine being!” Daniel 3: 25

It has been discussed that the fourth man may have been preincarnate Christ or an angel. Either way, someone Heavenly walked through the fire with three young men prepared to die for their God.

God not only protected them from the flames. He was by their sides the entire time.

In my own life, when the fire gets too hot, I often pray and ask God to remove me from the furnace. Sometimes the heat seems impossible to bear. All I want to do is escape and I can't understand why God won't give me a way out. I have realized that sometimes God chooses not to rescue me by removing the flames, but by protecting me and staying beside me through the fire.

After Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived the flames, King Nebuchadnezzar, witnessing the miracle, praised and acknowledged the Most High God. The King witnessed God's faithfulness and believed.

I still love Daniel. In his youth, He chose to always follow God before he was tempted to do otherwise. Now, I also want to be more like his friends, three young men who knew their God was able to save, were bold in their testimony before unbelievers, and who were unafraid to literally walk through fire.

God is able to save. Yet, for reasons we do not understand on this side of Heaven, he may allow us to enter in the "furnace." Just like Daniel's friends, we can endure the furnace because God is there with us, every step of the way. He may rescue us; He may allow us to suffer.

No matter the results, God is faithful to stay with us on our walk. When He does, others around us will see the one true God, the "divine being" walking with us through that fire. They may come to praise Him as the Most High God, just like King Nebuchadnezzar.

He's with you, friend. Trust Him today to walk with you- even through the fire.

Questions for reflection:

Have you suffered through your own type of "furnace?"

How has God shown you His Faithfulness?

Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

If you are going through a trial right now and would like prayer, please email or leave us a note in the comments. We would be honored to pray for you.

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis- “a transformation; a marked change in appearance, character, condition or function.” (American Heritage)

Last summer my daughter and I were given a tiny treasure. The little girls who live next door found a caterpillar and, knowing that my daughter loves all kinds of insects, they brought it over for official identification.

We knew it was special from its black and yellow markings- a black swallowtail caterpillar. We purchased a screened butterfly habitat, along with some fennel and we waited.

We watched as the tiny caterpillar began to change. He ate and grew. He inched his way onto a twig we had tucked inside and he soon formed a chrysalis.

One morning we awoke to a beautiful surprise. The caterpillar had emerged from his chrysalis as a gorgeous Black Swallowtail butterfly.




Once his wings were ready, we released him into our backyard. Without hesitation, he flew into the summer breeze and off into a wonderful world.

When we accept Christ, we are saved in that instant. The Holy Spirit enters our lives and our transformation begins. Unlike caterpillars, our complete transformation into mature Christians does not happen overnight. Our old nature still tries to emerge, even as our new nature struggles to break free.

The Apostle Paul writes about this in Romans.

“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” Romans 7: 18-19

Paul goes on to say that he understands that he is not able to do what is right in his own strength. It is only with Jesus Christ that he can truly change.

It is often so easy to give up, to slip into a feeling of hopelessness and bondage, and allow our old nature to overcome us. God wants us to break free, to become the new creature He has purposed us to be.


Our transformation begins within (through Christ alone) and becomes an outward expression of God's faithfulness, a living testimony to the world.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

As for our old nature, there will be a continuous struggle. It is only through Jesus that we can discover real freedom from our sinful nature and live as free, transformed creatures for His Glory.

What are you waiting for, fellow believer? God wants you to emerge anew. It’s time to spread your wings and fly!

Questions for Reflection

Is there an area in your life that is always a struggle?

It may be an addiction, anger, fear, or something else in your life.

Whatever it is, pray and give it over to God right now. He wants you to live free in Christ today.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, ,and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galations 5:1

Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."

Jesus, My Personal Trainer

Jesus, My Personal Trainer

June. It’s the month that takes Summer by the hand, gives her a Popsicle and a beach towel, and says, “Come on outside and play.”

It is also the month which hosts something most dear to me.

~Vacation Bible School~

You mix Jesus, orange drink, cheap crafts, music and fun decorations and it just doesn’t get any better.

Over the years, I’ve helped out in VBS, teaching, directing and decorating. I’ve painted life-sized postcards, murals, and t-shirts. One year a kid even painted me.

Last week, with large sheets of bulletin board paper spread out across the living room floor, I painted ocean waves for this year's Hawaiian theme. I’ve done a lot of shading and apparently, a lot of bending and stretching; the backs of my legs are sore.

It appears that I have used muscles that have not been used in quite some time.

I was walking through the grocery store with achy legs, wondering if I should go ahead and look for the aisle with Ben Gay, when I thought to myself, “It hurts a little now,but these muscles will be stronger. They’ve been stretched.”

~No pain, no gain~

Our family is going through some trying times right now, too. My heart knows that God is always faithful, but one could say I am having to stretch some faith muscles that have not been used in a while. When I feel the “burn,” I am to be joyful. That achy faith muscle means my relationship with God is growing.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:2

God is in the training business. He allows trials to enter our lives so we can stretch and strengthen our faith in Him. Unlike physical training, our personal faith training cannot be done alone. Only with God and through God are we able to build a personal faith “program.”

Through Jesus Christ, our strength, we can endure any race, any faith work-out and we are assured of a prize at the finish line.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12: 1-2

In Christ,

Questions for Reflection:

When have your faith muscles been stretched?
How was your relationship with God strengthened?
Are there areas in your life where you feel the stretch more than others?

Remembering Rainbows

I hear the opening music, see flashing graphics and a running banner at the bottom of the screen. I know it’s coming. It's The News.

When I was a kid we had to wait until 6:00 PM to watch the news, but now the latest headlines are available at our fingertips from a laptop or a remote control. No matter what time of day or night you watch television or read the banner at the bottom of the screen, the stories are sad, bleak, and discouraging.

Another child is suffering. Another mother hurting. Another Hollywood star arrested.

As a parent, it is difficult to imagine the future of the world for my child. I wonder what lies ahead and what, if anything, I can do about it. I know God is in control, but sometimes it is easy to wonder why He would allow children to continue being born in a world of sadness and sin.

Then I think of Noah.

God’s Word says that in the days of Noah, the world was so corrupt that “the people’s thoughts were continually evil.” (Genesis 6: 5) Even in today’s world, that is hard to imagine. Continually evil.

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6: 8

Imagine Noah in a world much worse than our own, where people constantly committed evil things and constantly thought evil thoughts. Imagine what the news would have been if Noah had a laptop computer.

Now imagine that God, a sovereign and holy God, blessed Noah with children. Three of them. These sons were born into a world of constant evil, a world so evil that it had to be destroyed. God told Noah about His Plan to destroy the earth and its inhabitants.

Then He promised to save Noah and his family.

Here is the most amazing part of it all- God provided a way out, a refuge. The ark. But, He didn’t stop there. God gave Noah instructions to build the ark and He guided Him along the way.

Noah followed the instructions to the cubit. He painstakingly built the largest ship that had been built in his time. His neighbors and friends probably laughed at him. Still, Noah persevered and stood firm in his faith. When the appointed time came, God instructed Noah to take his family and the animals into the ark and then the waters began to destroy the earth.

After the rain had stopped and the water receded, God told Noah when it was safe to leave the ark. Again, Noah trusted and waited for instruction. Even after the dove did not return, He waited for God’s instruction.

As if it were not enough to save Noah and his family, God then made a promise. He promised to never destroy the earth with water again and He set a rainbow in the clouds.

“And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.” Genesis 9:16

God said that He would look at the rainbow and remember His promise.

He remembers…

God does the same thing for us today. When we wonder how to protect our children who are born into an evil world, an uncertain time, He promises to save us through Jesus Christ.

He also gives us instructions- His Word.

The Bible gives us answers and guidance in daily living. We may never need to know how to build a boat out of gopher wood, but we will be faced with difficult decisions. Scripture provides the answers. He wants us to follow it to the cubit.

God loves you. He loves your children. When you are faithful and honor Him, He will save and protect you through Jesus Christ. He will show you the way with His Word.

So, when you’re watching the news tonight and the weather report calls for rain, do not be afraid. God is our refuge and He always keeps and remembers His Promises.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Psalms 46: 1-2

What about you?

• Have you felt discouraged as a parent?
• Have there been times when you felt like you were busy “building the boat” and your friends were laughing?
• How has God shown you that He remembers?
• Share your rainbow story.

In Christ,
Melanie

You are invited to visit my blog, This Ain't New York.

Melanie

Melanie blogs from her home in the Southern United States where she has a great view of life as a Stay-At-Home-Mom. She shares the view with her husband and daughter and a cat who isn't convinced that she is adopted.

She grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour at age nine. During her teen and college years, Melanie held tight to her salvation. She knew it belonged to her, but she didn't cherish it as she should. She kept it tucked away.


Marriage and motherhood brought her to a place where she began to see that salvation is not just a gift that we receive and tuck away in a box, but a treasure that should be brought out in our daily lives for all to see.



Through our growth as Christians, others will see this treasure as it shines in His Light. It is only when His Light shines, not that of our own, that our family, friends and those we meet along the journey will come to know Jesus.

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 4: 5-6

She started blogging as an outlet for writing and as a way to express her southern heritage. As the blog archives gather virtual dust, her hope is that, through humor and Christian encouragement, other women will find and cherish their treasure of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Melanie believes that laughter is a necessity for survival, along with coffee and lipstick, and that God has a sense of humor.

He has to; He created possums.

Melanie writes almost daily or when "real life" allows at her personal blog, This Ain't New York.

"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty;

he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy;

he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17